Trombone Supports

Musical instruments are well known for forcing the performer’s body into all sorts of unnatural positions and causing injuries from these stresses. The string section has it the worst but the trombone can cause problems for many players.

The left hand of the trombonist must support nearly the full weight of the trombone and activate valve levers at the same time. The weight coupled with the odd angle can strain the fingers, wrist, arm, shoulder and back as well as cause tension that is detrimental to performing. An injury or health issue unrelated to trombone playing can complicate this even further. Some of the many options invented to reduce and relieve these stresses are:

Thumb Supports:

The straight trombone almost always has a brace that the thumb of the left hand wraps around. This, combined with the light weight of the straight trombone works quite well. However, when a player moves on to a trombone with a valve, that thumb support is almost always taken away and a valve is put under the pad of the thumb. So not only is the bulk of the load moved to the hand, it is now a heavier load as well. The “Thumb Support” style of brace simply puts something back in the space between the thumb and index finger to help redistribute the load. This is the simplest type of support and carries the least percentage of load in comparison to the other types but these easy to use supports are just enough to make things work well for many players whilst maintaining a natural feel. They are easy to install and non-fussy.

Back-of-hand Supports:

This type of support moves the majority of weight bearing to the back of the hand rather than the grip of the fingers. This type of support has the advantage that it can be used even on a straight trombone. These supports can reduce tension in the hand a great deal but if the problem radiates up to the shoulder, it may not be the solution. These tend to be either fussy to use or bulky and weighty.

Stick Style Support:

The Stick Style Support moves the greatest amount of load away from the left hand by redistributing the weight through a stick to either a harness, chair or floor. These can be a bit cumbersome and the player may need to adjust to learn how to play with it. For those with more serious issues, heavy instruments or long practice sessions this can be a revelation. I have read and been told by many that these have made playing trombone possible again.

Product	Type	Installation	Pros	Cons	DBR Price	Similar Products
Ax Handle by Instrument Innovations	Thumb Support	Clamp fitting that attaches to cross brace of bell section.	- easily adjustable - 6 different clamp sizes available - "S" and "C" shape provided with each kit - multiple cushions provided with each kit - purchase of extra clamp allows installation of spare parts on second instrument	- can get bumped out of position it treated roughly - could pose problems fitting into case - may not fit on some braces due to too little room for clamp or clearance of valve tubing	$130.00	Bullet Brace By Edwards
Greenhoe Rest Bar	Thumb Support	Clamp or permanent fitting to bell section slide receiver.	- very sturdy - curved shape is comfortable - comes in regular and large for different hand sizes - universal fit - can be permanently installed	- may not fit on all instruments - not cushioned	$192.50 to $230.00
Sheridan Get-A-Grip	Thumb Support	Leather covered "saddle" that hooks under handslide and wraps around hand	- no permanent installation - can be used on multiple instruments - adjustable to hand for comfort	- may slip out of place	N/A @ DBR

Trombone Holding Strap by Leather Specialties Co.	Back-of-hand	Slips around mouthpiece shank and wraps under hand slide	- universal fit - inexpensive - adjustable - easily removed when not needed	- difficult to remove hand quickly	$27.15	Yamaha Trombone Hand Strap
Neotech Trombone Grip	Back-of-hand	Plastic fitting attached to slide with removable clamp hand piece	- fits many trombones including straight trombones - large adjustment range for hand size - adjustable distance from bell - trombone can be comfortably played without hand piece attached	- 2 piece system that requires disassembly to fit hand slide in case - difficult to snap in place for young players - slide fitting may obstruct bass trombone levers	$43.95
Rath Trombone Hand Support	Back-of-hand	Clamp fitting that attaches to cross brace of bell section.	- plastic bushings provide easy fitment on multiple brands - sturdy	- bulky - heavy - may not fit on some braces due to too little room for clamp or clearance of valve tubing - could pose problems fitting into case	N/A @ DBR	Hagmann Hand Rest Support

Ergobone by Ergobrass	Stick style	Clamp fitting at hand slide	- nearly 100% weight support - large fit range - able to use multiple ways: harness, chair seat or floor	- bulky - learning period	$215.00